By Daily Press Staff
Forrest Lloyd Freed, a fifth generation Santa Monican, descendant of the settlers of Rancho Boca de Santa Monica, passed away Thursday, July 18, at 4:30 a.m. He was surrounded by family and close friends.
Born Sept. 3 1927, he grew up in Santa Monica Canyon amidst sycamores, crystalline creeks, fields to roam in, and a large and loving family. From this family background, love for education and appreciation for other cultures shaped Freed’s life.
After returning from military service in World War II, he attended and graduated from UCLA. Freed became a teacher and for more than 40 years taught young people at Santa Monica High School. In addition to teaching them language, he instilled in them a pride in their own cultures. His commitment to the Latino population in Los Angeles brought him to Santa Monica College to teach senior Latinos who were learning English to become U.S. Citizens.
Throughout his life, Freed was involved in education, service to the under-served and combating prejudice and ignorance. He was president of the Santa Monica Sister City association for five years, president of the League of United Latin American Organization, a member of the Retired Teachers Association, and an active member of the Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging.
For his efforts on behalf of the elderly population, he was elected California Senior Legislator. His legacy — a message of global peace and creating a better world for all young people — took shape in the establishment of a scholarship fund at Santa Monica College for Latino students.
He is survived by his life-long friend Mel Risher, his cousin Stephanie Marquez and many other cousins, nephews, and nieces. Judge refuses to ease terms of comedian’s probation
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 20, 2002. Read the original PDF.